Unlocking policy documents : policy analysis in urban design

Abstract

It is widely accepted that policy analysis is useful both as a stand-alone analytical process and in conjunction with other analyses as part of a wider research methodology. Such an analysis is particularly useful when it is undertaken both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative component of policy analysis is a content analysis, which also contains an inherent qualitative component. It is a living process that is most effective if it starts out by considering the entire policy document and subsequently develops through different stages of refinement. ‘Term’ categories may be established using a previously defined theoretical framework, and further analysed statistically. The qualitative component of the policy analysis in turn demands an in-depth policy discussion that studies the context, spirit and language of the terms found within the policy document. Adopting such a comprehensive analytical process enables the refinement of the theoretical framework, which then becomes an analytical framework having a greater utility for urban design practice.